Nelson Mason: “I think we may have surprised a lot of people with our pace”

Nelson Mason said his race two retirement at Silverstone was disappointing as the pace was there for a good result in what was only his second race start in the World Series Formula V8 3.5 championship on Sunday.

The Canadian was on course for a good result when he collided with Mateovos Isaakyan at Brooklands, ending both their races, with the Teo Martin Motorsport driver believing that he was on for a good result with the pace he was showing before the incident.

“A bit disappointed, obviously we were quick,” said Mason to The Checkered Flag. “I think we had the fastest lap by something like seven-tenths, and it was an easy lap.

“I think we had a significant amount of pace, and I pitted early just to try and get clear of everything that was going on in front of me. But at the end of the day it’s racing.

“I made a really nice pass on Binder, and I made a really nice pass on Isaakyan but he pushed a little bit further in. I gave him a lot of space but we did touch.”

Mason believes that the pace he has shown in his debut weekend in the championship would have opened the eyes of some of his rivals, with the Canadian quick straight out of the box despite very little preparation.

“I think our pace is substantial,” said Mason. “I think we may have surprised a lot of people with our pace. Hopefully that transfers over to Spa and Monza, Jerez, everywhere from here then we are in a very good position.”

Mason insists there are lot of positives to take away from his first race in the championship, with his performance showing that they can be legitimate front runners this season.

“For me it was time in the car, this was the most mileage I’ve done in the car,” said Mason. “[It was my] first race distance, first race start, first pit stop. There are a lot of takeaways.

“We didn’t finish the race but at the end of the day we know where we would have finished. And we can obviously pass, I think I’ve always been pretty strong in overtakes. The positives are tremendous.

“The pace is there, I’ve got accustomed to the car, I’m comfortable in the car, we’re using the tyres really well, and to be honest the car is strong. I just have to do my job.”